I want to do business, but I hold no money. How I can do that?
PRESENTLY I AM WORKING WITH A COMPANY, BUT MY AIM IS BUSINESS, HOW I CAN START THIS.Answers:
There are many businesses who started beside so little yet grew to become obedient income vehicles down the road. From the article "How to Start a Business next to Little Cash" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol30/nocash.htm here are some tips on how you can start a business and earn more money even if you are short of cash today:
1. Find a business that you can start for little money (e.g. an errand business where on earth your main cost is headset and gasoline is easier to start than starting a Subway franchise)
2. Consider your time and effort - if you enjoy little cash, you may enjoy to work harder for the money because you will have no resource to outsource or take into service others to do certain tasks for you; or you hold no money to buy equipment so you can only do spot on things the long way
3. Get your creative juice flowing. With no money, the only entry you have is your imagination. Be creative and find ways to obtain things done
4. Be prepared to do all the work yourself - from doing your business plan, finding financing, writing emails, shipping and handling, marketing or doesn`t matter what processes your business requires.
5. Be prepared to invite investors - you may need financing abet from someone down the road so be prepared to share some of the pie.
Other Answers:
Use other people's money
I think you can try and take a small business loan.
Your best bet is an Internet based business, which you could start up for the cost of a domain autograph and hosting (for hosting you could use www.servage.net, and type the code CUST14284 for 2500MB free space).
Beware, that in that is absolutely no channel you can start up a sucessful business on no money at all, but you could start up a SUCCESSFUL business really cheaply, say-so under US$1000)
first risk is do a service business such as accounting service or IT consulting or other consulting.
Second option is to prepare a tremendously flashy business plan and present that to a small sized bank funding to small customers. If they achieve attracted, they will finance.
move about here they pay apt
http://www.donkeymails.com/pages/index.php?refid=mps27bulls
http://jillsclickcorner.com/members/register.php?ref=mps27bulls
or if intrested in 200$ investment for have ur own site
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m a network developer from india
best offers
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Source(s):
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A home-based business that doesn't charge any fees to sign up would be a start. I have found one that offer a free website, and no monthly purchase requirements. It was free to enrol, and provided the extra income I needed. The company even sent out samples for me - FREE.
Source(s):
http://www.act-energy-drink.biz
The best business to be surrounded by, is one that you know already or are working in.
If possible, do the business as a sideline to your existing available job, that way you will build up some property and also get a fancy for how profitable the business is going to be.
There is nothing worse next being a wage slave, person your own boss is the best.
Ask for money to a bank, and it depends on your credit if they adopt you, but try it then you'll enjoy to pay every month that money that you borrowed from the guard and you'll be able to clear your own bussiness!
four to seven years in college, the right connections, angel investors or debt financing, brass ball, coffee, cigarettes, and the right attitude.
simple enough, right? don't quit your sunshine job...
Consider your company or a shop that you hold visit not long. List the customers-both internal and external?
Answers:
Internal Customers - Employees, Stakeholders, Shareholders
External Customers - All channel partner, End customers
what moniker can i endow with my company's inducement/incentive program in need including my company's christen.?
Answers:
Hall of fame. Achievers Inc. Success Czars. only just 3 names which a moment ago bounced off the director. For more I need to get the message your company better.
who is THE BEST pattern hosting company, as far as price, service, terrabites of Bandwidth, let you lease your dm
Answers:
Hostway http://www.hostway.com - not the cheapest but customer support is excellent and their plans are very competitive
Other Answers:
www.evonet.ro ! 1 Gb webspace FREE,unlimited bandwith...
i be checking out the US official document and trademark site, does it reall pilfer a full year 2 draw from your logo? faster?
Answers:
It can. There are ways to fast track your proposed trademark and state trademarks usually solitary take a few months but do not proposition the same national and international protection. They do, however provide history.
Check beside an intellectual property lawyer on how to achieve the process to move along faster.
you own a domain, yahoo for instance, in a minute to do business over the network do you own to buy a business liscence?
im trying to create some websites, now basically because i own a domain doesnt mean that within is already a company or organization out in that with that pet name already right? so do i need to be a liscenced business holder or what? also can someone enjoy a patent on the type of site i want to creat after sue me? and whats the best way to design and run a logo check to see if i can use it and own it?Answers:
Each state or county is different appointment the county recorder and ask them about fictious business name and a business license or vendors contract.
Just because you can get the domain first name dose not mean that the entitle is not already used. You will have to look at county and state store before file for a ficticious business name and register it for your use.
Websites are not patented they are copyrighted. Be sure you use this code on the bottom of your page
Copyright (c) 2006 Name of your company or your personal name.
Logos are also copyrighted the artist that creates the logo for you can also put (c) 2006 Name of your company or your personal autograph.
Other Answers:
Yes, you still need to purchase a business license surrounded by your state. No, they can not patent the site at adjectives. They can only rights a product itself, and the site is, by definition, a PROCESS not a product. As for a logo...you're on your own.
contained by my country if ur running a business only over the internet it's totally free.. :P First, check to see if your secretary of state keep online records of business name. If so, check it against that state database.
Second, after you've come up with a design, baptize, and logo with a pictographic artist or brand development company, speak near an attorney about running a prior art check on the logo and website intellectual property as all right as to form the business. Attorneys run these checks all the time. Speak beside your local bar association within order to find an attorney who practices within the area. Ask the attorney for the costs of respectively separate function and determine whether each would be worth the convenience v. being sued for a dispute down the splash.
I am a sole trader surrounded by the UK and am looking at taking on a partner within my business. Any support or links please?
I already know my new business partner, I basically need to clear sure I've identfied and ticked all the boxes.Answers:
I suggest the Department of Trade and Industry can give you a few answers - only search for their net site.
Other Answers:
No way will I supply my soul!! Dirty old man!
Source(s):
me
taster business file system?
Answers:
first of all 2 primary cabinets
1)incoming (mail, invoices, complaints, vouchers,receipts)
2) outgoing (mail, receipts, contracts sighed beside contractors
3) Accounts
4) taxation
5) employees narrative (this can have 1 profile for each employee)
YOU may own one file for one customer for adjectives important customers contained by which all incoming and outgoing correspondence is kept
Also for adjectives Accounts have a separate cabinet and surrounded by that (a) all receipts (2) adjectives payments
A separate file for adjectives taxation documentations
sub-groups of (1)
each customer 1 profile (for customers hqving regular correspondence)
one time customers - you may have one big wallet
invoices
contracts and agreements sighed by you with others
item (2)
adjectives outgoing correspondence with chief customers (customer wise if a unique customer has regular correspondence)
It is simply an example
you can have so oodles variations depending on your business and volume - basically imagination and a system where you can efficiently trace a document, receipt, voucher,
Whats the best path to put on the market a Homebased business?
Answers:
go to a trainer that have helped thousands of those www.danijohnson.com
Other Answers:
Explicit photographs on website.
Don't ask if you don't want the truth.
what is the most profitable home groundwork business for a mother of 2 immature children.?
Answers:
The best home business that you can be sure is not a scam is one that you start yourself. It will depend on what you want, how you define to be interesting. A party may consider a pet sitting business to be the most exciting work in the world, while another personage would rather view TV than take attention of dogs.
The key is to determine what your interests are, what you want to do, what is suitable for your lifestyle and your overall goal, and what can fit with your resources.
Dan Ramsey within his book "101 Best Home Businesses" has a chapter on how to find YOUR best home business. He suggests these 10 steps:
1. List 5 things you do best
2. List how others would benefit from what you do best
3. Find out how to administer people what they want
4. Learn the pro of your services to others
5. Find out who else offers similar services
6. Learn from the successes of others
7. Learn from the failure of others
8. Plan your own success
9. Make low cost mistakes
10. Enjoy what you do and how you do it
He afterwards made suggestions on the best home businesses according to type. Here are a few of them:
Best Businesses Using Craft or Physical Skills
- antique restoration
- auto detail service
- carpet cleaning business
- errand/delivery service
- housecleaning business
Best Service Businesses
- bed and breakfast worker
- caregiver
- catering service
- senior day aid center
- tutoring service
Best Professional Businesses
- desktop publisher
- magazine writer
- import/export service
- income tax preparation service
- event planner
Some other home business planning:
Top 10 Home Businesses with Rapid Break-Even Time http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol33/breakeven.htm
10 Profitable “Go-Out" Home Businesses http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol31/goout.htm
Low Cost Startup Businesses http://www.entrepreneur.com/lowcostbusinesses/0,6617,,00.html
You can also check out the following books:
Turn Your Talents into Profits: 100+ Terrific Ideas for Starting Your Own Home-Based Microbusiness
The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century
121 Internet Businesses You Can Start from Home
The Best Internet Businesses You Can Start
101 Ways to Make Money at Home
Other Answers:
daycare
start a holiday picnic basket business ,,you can keep the stuff to spread the baskets with surrounded by your basement ,compress orders as they come surrounded by post the business on ebay or criags list
my friend freshly informed me that she pays $200 a week for her 2 daughters to go to daycare. i.e. pretty darn good money. selling stuff on ebay. i hold 7 children, and my husband works days. when he is home at nights and weekends, i enjoy a house and office cleaning business.
FBSM
want to earrn throughh intterrnet
askk me at ma yahoo ego matrix27bulls
m a web developer from india
little investment............ oops
no losesss for sureee
best offer
http://www.mam-x.com
http://www.matrixewebs.com
Source(s):
http://www.mam-x.com
http://www.matrixewebs.com
I recently found a completely interesting network marketing business. I know what your thinking grating marketing equals evil business, but bear beside me. In this business you do have to work and it does nick an up front investment, but it is one of the most unique web marketing businesses I have see. Personally I was tired of grating marketers telling me to hit up my friends and loved ones for sales, so this business intrigued me. Basically you can choose a role. You can be a marketer/advertiser, a trainer, or a reqruiter. So if you don't close to talking to family you can be an advertiser, if you don't like selling but you approaching talking to nation you can be a trainer. These people are really into helping society out, and helping people succeed. And they will in truth tell you not to market to your friends and family. Anyway, if you are interested progress to http://idreamoffreedom.visionsuccess.biz/ Fill out the form at the bottom of the page and someone will contact you to tell you roughly the business. There are different monetary levels you can enter the business at, but the lower height doesn't cost much. Anyway, if you think youre interested in recent times fill out the form to take more information. Hope this helps you out.
What are the requirements contained by hole a resturant?
Answers:
It depends on your location. I suggest you contact your county office and ask them for adjectives the requirements.
Aside from business licenses, you will also call for zoning permits for restaurants (zoning banner and sign requirements) so you will be directed to your county's planning and zoning board.
For example, if you live in Pasadena, California, below are some of the requirements within opening a restaurant http://www.calgold.ca.gov/Results1.asp?TYPE=5812&CNTY=19&CITY=298 :
- Building and Construction Permit: Required for adjectives new and remodeling construction, including coppers of occupancy
- Burglar Alarm Permit: A permission must be obtained from this department for any businesses requiring a burglar alarm or collateral system.
- Business License (Business Tax Certificate): Required for all entities doing business inside city limits.
- Fire Department Inspection/Permit: All businesses may be subject to a once a year inspection of facility; and a Business Plan/Contingency Plan if hazardous materials/wastes are on site.
- Public Health License: Contact the department for a license if your business is in any method concerned with food/restaurant, wholesale or retail flea market, vending machines, catering trucks, etc.
- Business Personal Property: Property used in the operation of a business such as machinery, equipment, trade fixtures, etc. is taxable and subject to assessment.
- Fictitious Name Filing (DBA): Required if fictitious moniker is used.
- Public Health Operating License: Required of restaurants and businesses manufacturing food, rime or soft drinks
- Authority to Construct/Permit to Operate: Stationary sources of air emission from specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents and some consumer products, must be permitted.
- Alcoholic Beverage License: Any person or entity seeking to get rid of alcoholic beverages must be licensed.
- Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings: If you are considering becoming a corporation, (either stock or nonprofit), a limited liability company or a partnership (limited, or restricted liability), you must file near the Secretary of State's Office.
- Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit): All businesses selling or leasing tangible property must search out a Seller's Permit.
I suggest you read some sample business plans to catch you more ideas on how to successfully start a restaurant business. Here are some sites offering taste business plans:
http://www.virtualrestaurant.com/sample.htm
http://www.bplans.com/spv/3228/index.cfm?affiliate=bplans
http://www.bplans.com/spv/3259/index.cfm?affiliate=bplans
Other Answers:
You will need a business license. Depending if you plan on hiring other ethnic group you will need to find an accountant so the proper social security and taxes are remunerated. If you plan on doing this make sure you seize Quick-books or some piece of accounting software. This will allow you to track the amount of money is spent on expenses (computer, dishes, forks, knife, glasses, titivation of the restaurant, cooking equipment, etc...)
You must be aware of health requirements that must be maintain when handling food. Refrigeration, storage and cleanliness is very impressive in a restaurant.
You must create a menu that is to say well thought out and price correctly. Remember you call for to cover the rental of the space, the payment of your organization and recovery of the price initial investment of the food you purchased and finally don't forget to outside edge in a take-home pay for you.
Finally you will need to commit to the restaurant 24/7 for at smallest two year. Most restaurant fail contained by the first two years.
what will work whwn adjectives pains are within vain.?
Answers:
ask your customers what is wrong and what THEY want and do it, also a prayer won't hurt
What steps do you enjoy to purloin to approachable a hours of daylight attention surrounded by Akron, Ohio?
Answers:
You may want to start by preparing your business plan to provide you with a road map for your business. Here are free business plans on childcare business:
http://www.sba.gov/library/pubs/mp-30.doc
http://www.misbtdc.org/documents/BPWORKBK.pdf
http://www.misbtdc.org/documents/CDCPLAN.pdf
http://sbdcnet.utsa.edu/sbic/bplans.htm
You may want to read the free article "How To Start Your Own Day Care Center" http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol40/daycare.htm
It covers a variety of aspects of starting and running a daycare center including the demand for daycare centers, how to start this business, shoestring strategies, how to operate a daycare center, tips on charitable for the children, income potential, how to manage your daycare, marketing your business and other supplementary income potential. There are so many things to revise about the business that the first step is to read everything you can find.
For in-depth information, I suggest checking out the following books:
- Start and Run a Profitable Home Day Care
- The Daycare Provider's Workbook
- Start Your Own At-Home Child Care Business
- So You Want to Open a Profitable Child Care Center :
Everything You Need to Know to Plan, Organize and Implement a Successful Program
It is also vital that you learn the levy rules affecting daycare centers, especially if you are going to open one from your home. Here is the IRS page on child meticulousness centers: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/content/0,,id=99878,00.html
In Ohio, contact this agency for licensing and other information:
Child Care Licensing Section
Department of Human Services
65 East State St. 5th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 466-1043
Web Page: http://jfs.ohio.gov/cdc
how much does it cost to register a busines within CA, after adjectives the registration fees and liscenceing?
Answers:
You can go to this website... It adjectives depends upon what business you plan on starting up. This website should give you a standard idea of what forms and costs are involved surrounded by starting your business in California.
what is the first step I requirement to do to start my first internet business?
I need the exact guide to start business through internet. I hold read a lot of information on how internet marketer can earn hundred thousands of dollar through Internet Business. For example similar to Corey Rudl. It might seems too appropriate to be true but however, I just feel lost after kept reading a lot of books or online guides. And mostly respectively guide will recommend to buy their product to get start beside.And since I'm still studying, I don't have much money to start this business. Not to mentioned I'm staying surrounded by Malaysia anyway.
Answers:
Get a domain first - a name you compensate annually or bi-annually for that. Then web space. Design your website first unsurprisingly, maybe next to FrontPage or Dreamweaver. The money comes from advertising. a.d.s.e.n.s.e is angelic - won't pay much but get the G00GLE spiderbot on your site! Check out Yahoo small business web space and their trellis builder is good. It's not the cheapest though. Look at my site for a few concept if you're really new to this stuff. Good luck - email me for more planning. The address is on the website! !0 points pls!
Other Answers:
whereabout in malaysia are you? msg me. i'm interested.
come to me
depends
if you want whole year pack it may cost 500$ to ...........$
or u may chose take-home pay per click ads
but they cost more afterwards paying for year like 500$ ...... clear per click crosses more that 2000$ per year//if for whole year
and rest depends wat ad r u having (text, gif streamer, flash animated banner, and wats the size)
we provide e-email marketting for a temperate cost
and you may advertise on our site(we hav pack of ads on our site for partly year or year)
or if you may invest 200$ for having your own site
nearby s good income from have your own site online
and we hav many more exposure and promotional packs at resonable cost similar to e-email markketing
we hav more than 1 million dataa for e-emails
askk me at ma yahoo id matrix27bulls
m a network developer from india
http://www.mam-x.com
http://www.matrixewebs.com
Source(s):
http://www.mam-x.com
http://www.matrixewebs.com
Write me, wasdadd at yahoo. I enjoy a good business opportunity. After a few months, I am making money, working constituent time. yes i start my business with mia bella's gourment candles and it cost $49 beside tax
Source(s):
mmjones.scent-team.com
WELL IF THERE IS A WORLD-WIDE ONLINE INTERNET BUSINESS, IT WOULD NOT MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE A GOOD BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU. IT'S CALLED DOMAINS INTERNATIONAL OR WEBSITE.WS. THIS IS WHAT THAT IS. GO HERE: WWW.ALREADY.WS AND THERE IS AN INVITATION IN THERE FOR YOU TO WATCH A FREE 7-MINUTE PRESENTATION ABOUT GDI AND THE DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO GET "INCOME FOR LIFE" WHICH IS CALLED RESIDUAL INCOME. THANK YOU.....AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY....
< research about the business and your competitorTry www.receller.com - best hook to e-bay Small ads as first steps to Internet business: A preliminary survey of Cameroon’s commercial Internet usage by David Zeitlyn and Francine Barone
We own surveyed current commercial use of the Internet in Cameroon. This rag provides some data on Cameroon’s presence on the Internet as an initial way of assessing the impact information technologies and the Internet own had on local business practices surrounded by Cameroon. We have found some NGOs promoting entrepreneurs and artisan producers to put up for sale their wares. Alongside tourism and import/export listings, the use of small ads is predominant. Connectivity via fixed lines remains a bottleneck impede expansion. Since mobile phone use is mushrooming, a suggested solution is the development of SMS–Web bridges.
Contents
Introduction
Domain representation
NGOs encouraging business
Imports and exports
Discussion and conclusions
++++++++++
Introduction
The weak news is that the Internet have arrived in Africa. What is still newsworthy at the emergence of the twenty–first century is the impact it has have and how it is being used contained by Africa. After the early promises (Barlow, 1998) within is already some documentation of both the successes (Zachary, 2004) and the infrastructural constraints on expansion [1].
This paper evaluates how Cameroonian businesses are using the Internet. We gather information by making a thorough search of Web sites from and just about Cameroon to evaluate the use being made of the Internet and e–commerce by businesses surrounded by Cameroon. We set out initially to answer two questions:
One: are here any Cameroon–based businesses that are making substantial revenue from the Web (apart from Internet cafés)? If so, what are they?
Two: are there any Cameroonians who are making substantial revenue from business conducted via the Internet?
In our survey, we examined the use of the Internet for trading, buying, selling and public relations by entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors, traders, artisans, local shops, international importers and exporters. We also considered the business prospects for Cameroonians (at home and abroad): are they competent to expand within the world (Internet) bazaar through personal initiative, NGO–supported or local cooperative enterprises? We included international import/export venture within this strand of research. These include the Dutch auction of Cameroonian–made goods via the Web and the provision of Western commodities for public sale in Cameroon, as all right as mutual interests in tourism. We be unable to assess the extent to which the culture involved in these goings-on are making substantial (or at least appreciable) revenue from the Internet; this is far harder to establish and will be the focus of planned adjectives research. As an initial orienting step, we perform some general Web search to determine how Web sites from or about Cameroon are represented across seven popular domains. Overall, this weekly provides some data on Cameroon’s presence on the Internet as an initial resources of assessing the impact information technologies and the Internet own had on local business practices contained by Cameroon.
++++++++++
Domain representation
In our initial exercise we sampled seven Internet domains (.info, .lattice, .com, .org, .cm, .fr and .uk), using G00GLE to determine how Cameroon is represented, in standard, across the Internet. We recognise this is a crude measure since it counts individual sites next to many page as equivalent to many small sites, but we also run parallel searches for the Netherlands, a European country next to a similar population to Cameroon. The comparison is telling.
Table 1: Domain specific turn out results from G00GLE
Cameroon OR Cameroun
1 June 2004
Number of hits (percent)
Netherlands OR Holland OR "pays bas"
7 June 2004
Number of hits (percent)
.cm:
3,910 (0.1)
2,530,000 (.nl) (9.3)
.info:
28,100 (0.7)
174,000 (0.6)
.fr:
131,000 (3.5)
631,000 (2.3)
.uk:
248,000 (6.6)
3,380,000 (12.4)
.net:
373,000 (9.9)
2,730,000 (10.0)
.org:
1,030,000 (27.4)
6,370,000 (23.4)
.com:
1,950,000 (51.8)
11,400,000 (41.9)
Total
3,760,100 (100)
24,685,000 (100)
Within respectively domain, several hundred sites were sample. Consistent across all domains are sites faithful to tourism and tourist information, mostly compiled by Americans or Europeans. Equally prominent are both foreign and local sites for Cameroon football news, statistics and merchandise. The .info domain is used primarily for governmental, financial, demographic and geographic information, including international bodies concerned with malaria, AIDS and environmental chagrin. Also included are general interest sites displaying map, pictures, encyclopaedic sources and anthropological information about ethnic groups contained by Cameroon. Online newspapers, guides and directories inside Cameroon additionally use the .info domain. The .cm domain yields the fewest results and is comprised mostly of governmental bodies surrounded by Cameroon including the national assembly and finance, background, industry and environment ministries. Cameroonian press and official communication sites, political parties, national bank, universities, and core corporations such as Air France and Orange also use the .cm domain. The use of the country domain is the most significant difference between the patterns of usage between Cameroon and the Netherlands. Registration for the .cm is controlled by Intelcam (the state–owned telecom) and is restricted to locally registered companies or other organization. The .nl is, in principle, unrestricted geographically, however a postal address surrounded by the Netherlands is required for official correspondence.
The domains .com and .network overlap with the .info category above, but there are various more community sites hosting forums and chat rooms where Cameroonians can connect, go through classified ads, and discuss regional issues and sport. The .com domain also contains several sites for development agencies and report sites with page dedicated to current affairs contained by Cameroon. The .org domain is primarily dedicated to organization such as the World Bank, World Trade Oorganization, International Monetary Fund, British Council, Amnesty International, Wildlife Aid Fund, Human Rights Watch, Global Forest Watch, and other NGOs with interests contained by Cameroon. Most Cameroonian French language sites use the .fr domain. A majority of these are base in France and represent French embassies and consulates as in good health as provide health information for travellers and tourist guides. Personal page with nonspecific facts about Cameroon comprise much of the .co.uk domain, including heaps tourist sites, health information, environmental concerns, world football, and a few trade sites.
Commercial Internet usage
There are three major ways in which the Internet is used by Cameroonians for business. Firstly, hot or existing businesses located in Cameroon may hire a third jamboree to host and/or maintain a Web site for the mart and distribution of their products and services. These third parties include charitable organization and both local and international IT companies. Secondly, entrepreneurs or established business owners with practice of the Internet and e–commerce may create a Web site (again, usually with the relief of a professional Web builder and hosting company) which they manage, update and use directly to grip with customers. Thirdly, frequent other business people choose to use the Internet to generate revenue short building their own Web sites or catalogues. Many entrepreneurs and companies list key information, contact details, product offers and requests on international classified page or newsgroups to attract potential trade partners. These three methods of Internet promotion are often used concomitantly, but the latter (the general posting of short, basic ads) is the most adjectives, and possibly the most effective medium of doing business on the Web, a point to which we return in the conclusion.
++++++++++
NGOs encouraging business
Despite its relatively recent introduction within sub–Saharan Africa, it is evident that the utility and business potential of the Internet have been known by local entrepreneurs. One way surrounded by which the Internet has be introduced to Cameroonian entrepreneurs is through non–profit organizations such as the Association pour le Soutien etl’Appui á la Femme Entrepreneur (ASAFE) [2]. These organization provide resources, computer technology and IT knowledge for local citizens to develop their own Web sites. ASAFE’s "Cyberforum" for women entrepreneurs provides computer training programs to strengthen local businesses.
Despite its relatively recent introduction in sub–Saharan Africa, it is adjectives that the utility and business potential of the Internet has be recognized by local entrepreneurs.
PEOPLink, a U.S.–based non–profit structure, has created a functioning Web forum for local artisans to put up for sale their products to the world. PEOPLink’s CatGen (catalogue generator) is an e–commerce platform that provides a template for artisans to create basic Web sites beside product lists. PEOPLink also runs an an eBay user signature on behalf of the sellers and encourage buyers in the U.S. and Canada to communicate directly by e–mail beside the artisans. While, as yet, the uptake is small (so far merely four Cameroonian artisans or cooperatives are hosted by CatGen), the project has suitable prospects. For example, the Presbyterian Handicraft Centre (PRESCRAFT) of Bamenda has used PEOPLink’s services to develop an extensive artisan make friends for the production and sale of handicraft such as musical instruments, wood carvings, brass and clay pottery, baskets, toys, traditional stools and other objects within the North West province for Dutch auction to European and North American customers over the Internet.
Even where PEOPLink participant do not own a computer, they grasp the potential that Internet trading holds for attracting customers around the world. By generating revenue within this way, they are competent to preserve indigenous arts and crafts in an increasingly wage–based cutback; improve settlement life; and, inspire the idea of self–reliance. Individual artisans hope that, through this system, they will know how to sustain a reasonable livelihood by focusing on their traditional trades [3]. Despite these attempts to introduce the Internet into the each day lives of local people, here are comparatively few examples of Web sites wholly developed and run by independent entrepreneurs surrounded by Cameroon [4].
Arts and Handicrafts
The African arts and handicrafts industry is popular, and the Internet is human being used to sell these produce around the world. There are several ways in which Cameroonian handicraft are sold over the Internet. Firstly, artisans with shops contained by Cameroon have established partnership to advertise and distribute their stuff. This is usually done through a central Web site and distribution company base in a primary city (within Cameroon, U.S. or Europe) serving as an intermediary between artisans and buyers. The producers in Cameroon ship their products to their intermediary who arranges delivery. This system works because local artisans can push on professionally created Web sites and need solitary be concerned with the construction and shipping of items to a single location. These Web sites [5] make available the name and location of artisans, photographs of their production process, materials, and messages to buyers. However, apart from such arrangements and the non–profit initiatives mentioned above, the numbers of independent artisans with private Web sites for Cameroonian art (and African art within general) remains low.
One site called "Bayam–Sellam" [6] is the best example of an independent Cameroonian business selling handicraft from the Web. It is run by a Cameroonian importer/exporter who gathers products from artisans within Cameroon for sale around the world. Craft pieces such as stools, statuettes, baskets and clothingare sold.
The primary Internet–based exchanges of Cameroonian goods are usually quantity of larger African collections sold by foreign (mostly American and French) importers and exporters, with no clear information in the order of where the objects come from. These companies may acquire their produce by dealing directly with the artisans on a long–term idea of supply and demand [7], or by re–selling pieces of artwork from private collections.
While some of these sites sincerely decision to support local artisans, others may be more exploitative. It is hard to assess the foundation of the relationship between producer and retailer. This is exacerbated by the complicated partnerships needed to accommodate unpredictable fluctuations contained by customer demand which may be difficult for local producers to follow. Cameroonian handicraft are often sold alongside other African works and at hand is little information about how they be acquired, if they are legal, or what effect their sale have on the Cameroonian economy. Many sites are run by foreign travellers who re–sell their private collections at high-ranking prices. It is therefore difficult to determine if artisans are acquirement much revenue from the sale of their products. However, any mention of artisans’ local shops on leading export Web sites will presumably be beneficial for business from tourists, visitors and collectors [8].
While some of these sites sincerely yearning to support local artisans, others may be more exploitative.
eBay and online auctions are also a popular venue for the sale of Cameroonian art. However, it is difficult to determine if the seller are Cameroonian or rather foreigners who own acquired these items, consent to alone whether these sales increase local revenue. This is because few seller list detailed information going on for themselves, except for American travellers or tourists. Cameroon sports shirts, postcards, coins and documents are sold from French, German, American and British-based eBay accounts, among others. We monitored eBay sales for a two–week term (21 May to 4 June 2004); not one seller during this time of year claimed to be from Cameroon. The economic benefit of eBay to the Cameroon cutback is a fascinating and difficult topic which must be examined separately.
Local businesses (B2B)
The Internet is also used inside Cameroon to advertise businesses and personal Web sites for the benefit of local communities. This is basically done by listing sites on one of masses Web–based directories, IT companies and ISP Web sites [9]. For example, "Cameroun Plus" ( http://www.cameroun-plus.com/) lists the name and contact information of many local establishments, and hosts more advanced Web sites for interested businesses. The directory contains copious restaurants, cafés, dance clubs, furniture shops, supermarkets, sports clubs (golf, equestrianism, yachting, petanque, rugby, tennis, squash), and over twenty fad shops and modelling agencies. Such directories serve to heighten the exposure of local shops and outlets within Cameroon as all right as attracting tourists from abroad. Other specialized directories can also be found for businesses such as decree firms, clubs and societies. We explore later within this paper the use of the Internet purely for media hype purposes, with good opinion to imports and exports.
Many Web directory sites also host forums and chat rooms where on earth Cameroonians at home and abroad can connect and exchange information. There are hundreds of private and public newsgroups and clubs for Cameroonians on foremost networks such as Yahoo!, MSN, and AOL. Some are used for the exchange of personal information and general chatting; others are steadfast to business and trade, travel, tourism and politics. These networks are not unimportant and should not be see as secondary to the building of company Web page.
Tourism and accommodation
Tourism Web sites around Cameroon mainly distribute basic information just about foreign travel companies, sometimes with the name and addresses of local establishments or somewhere to live and restaurant reviews. For those who wish to book and plan tourist excursions or holidays within Cameroon, the majority of sites are based surrounded by Europe or America (many in France). They propose deals beside European or U.S.–based hotel chains in Cameroon (such as Ibis, Hilton), motor rental services (Europcar), and airlines (Air France). Excursions run by local companies are often "package" deal which do not give unbelievably much information about the Cameroonian businesses involved [10]. There are also several Web sites belonging to Cameroon–based tourist centre. They mostly offer goings-on such as safaris, hiking, park tours, bird watching, fishing, bicycling, hunting, and forest walk, among other sporting activities. Most businesses which provide board also offer guided tours, excursions, safari, and personal hunting assistance. These businesses also maintain connections next to major European airlines and hotels. Two of the sites found be run by French couples who have lately settled in Cameroon [11]. The situation near tourist accommodation within Cameroon is similar: only a handful of Web sites are for hotels that are not section of major European chains [12].
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Imports and exports
Of adjectives the Internet business prospects open to Cameroonians, introduction and export advertising is by far the most adjectives. While some industries may develop their own Web sites dedicated to import or exports (like the African handicrafts sites mentioned earlier), the most popular form of promotion is by listing brief details, contact information, product requests and offer on trade networks, newsgroups, Internet business forums and classified ads. Established importers and exporters may bind a Web site which connects investors, entrepreneurs, traders, producers and distributors [13]. TradeSearch.com’s free advertising service for Cameroon (www.cameroontrade.com), offer customizable templates for businesses to create short information page [14]. Such services are attractive because they offer general exposure and are easy to complete without much time, Web–building comprehension or expense. Each page is linked to the fully searchable foremost site.
By generating revenue ... they are competent to preserve indigenous arts and crafts in an increasingly wage–based reduction; improve settlement life; and, incite the idea of self–reliance.
It is difficult to recount if demands for imports are more prevalent than offer for exports, as there are frequent advertising sites unswerving to both. The most popular sites for listing brief advertisement and demands for imported products appear to be www.commerce.com.tw and http://www.globalbuyersonline.... where on earth Cameroonian ads can be found among heaps others from Africa and Asia. Search results are constantly updated and number in the hundreds [15]. In brief, the most popular products to introduction are mobile phones, computer equipment, CDs, DVDs and players, cosmetics and garments. Advertisements for exports are also regularly listed by the hundreds on popular trading sites and networks [16]. A detailed detail of the types of products exported and associated companies can be found in Appendix B3, near the most popular being timber, African herb and plants, handicrafts, cocoa, and coffee.
However, some circumspection must be exercised in interpreting the benefits of such Web selling for importers and exporters. It is impossible to assess the economic stress of transactions generated as a result of this selling, let alone whether revenue returning to the Cameroonian cutback benefits local individuals. Repetition of some addresses, phone numbers and directors’ name, suggests that some of the companies listed might be somewhat notional.
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Discussion and conclusions
In this survey, it have been found that the majority of Web sites in the order of Cameroon are tourist guides and general information page. However, the large number of local directory sites, forums and chat rooms beside thousands of hits per day suggests that the Internet is a desired, well–used commodity surrounded by Cameroon. It is certainly used by entrepreneurs and local businesses to expand their horizons towards international buyers and seller. Company Web pages for businesses base in Cameroon are not other detailed or informative and their design is usually basic. Still, the potential for the Internet to expand business possibilities appears to be ably recognized by entrepreneurs.
There are plentiful obstacles and frustrations for local individuals intending to use the Internet for business, including glorious prices, limited access, and minimal fluency. One entrepreneur from Yaoundé comments on a message board [17] that participating in Internet business from Africa is "too illustrious risk" for Africans who face slow and costly connections impede even the posting of free classifieds. His solution is to turn to Internet companies that distribute advertisements widely (to "1500+ sites contained by an hour or so") for a single fee. Therefore, the use of short ad as opposed to full Web catalogues appears to be the most affordable and appropriate medium of advertising for smaller–scale companies and entrepreneurs. Presumably, as the Internet become more widespread and affordable, and as connections become faster and more reliable, after businesspeople will build more elaborate Web sites.
Problems inherent within this type of research are questions as to whether or not these examples of Internet commerce in fact provide personal income or revenue for Cameroonian entrepreneurs. It is impossible in practical vocabulary to follow up on the business leads on import/export newsgroups, and some of the existing Web sites may be ephemeral. In most cases, foreign companies or importers base in the U.S. or Europe accomplishment as middlemen between most local initiatives including travel, tourism and the sale of handicraft abroad. Hence it is difficult to assess the benefit to Cameroonian Internet entrepreneurs. One really interesting development is be the small number of Web sites for local businesses interested in attracting customers inwardly Cameroon (such as restaurants, supermarkets and sports clubs), which shows awareness of the Internet by consumers, shop owners and entrepreneurs alike.
As Mbarika (2002) and others have demonstrated, some of the barrier preventing faster and wider adoption of Internet commerce in smaller number developed countries are the lack of reliable phone lines and the lofty cost of using them. To illustrate, early contained by 2004, the entire city of Bafoussam — a regional capital within Cameroon — lacked Internet connectivity for at smallest two days (when one of us (DZ) was trying to check his e–mail). Anecdotally, this appears to be not unusual. The recent (and continuing) explosion in mobile telephony may set aside a solution — especially when combined with the popularity of small ad that we have documented. Although GSM mobile phones surrounded by common use do not proposal easy access to the Internet, nearby are other alternatives. ISPs with apt Web connectivity can offer commercial two–way SMS–to–Web bridges enable entrepreneurs with solely a mobile phone to submit advertisements via SMS and afterwards receive responses also as messages on their phones. We believe this can be done as a commercial service and is technologically viable. End of article
About the authors
David Zeitlyn has be undertaking anthropological research in Cameroon since 1985 principally with Mambila population on the Tikar Plain (see http://lucy.kent.ac.uk/VIMS/). He has be one of the pioneers in the use of the Internet to disseminate anthropological research notes.
E–mail: D.Zeitlyn@kent.ac.uk
Francine Barone is a final–year undergraduate student of anthropology at the University of Kent, United Kingdom.
E–mail: fb2@kent.ac.uk
Notes
1. Mbarika, (2002); Idowu, et. al. (2002); and, see also Zachary’s (2004) discussion of Ghana as well as Uimonen (2001) for southeast Asian parallel.
2. See also: http://www.networked intelligence.com/asafe.html and PEOPLink.
3. See Appendix A1 for an index of Cameroonian PEOPLink participant.
4. A list of which can be found contained by Appendix A4.
5. For example, at www.ethnik.org, where six different artisans selling a variety of objects from Cameroon are described and their products made available; and www.africaincolour.com where Dr. Fongot Kinni of Yaounde’s African Arts/Handicraft and Environmental Management Institute sell various objects including batik artwork and clothing.
6. The possession comes from the Cameroonian pidgin for a buyer–reseller; see http://www.bayam-sellam.com.
7. For example, www.africanstylegallery.com and www.a-piece-of-africa.com/abou...
8. A list of through Web sites selling Cameroonian arts and handicrafts around the world can be found within Appendix A2.
9. See Appendix A3.
10. There are many of these sites, a short indication list can be found within Appendix A5.
11. See Appendix A6.
12. See Appendix A7.
13. See, for example, http://www.cameroontrade.com, http://www.happy-partners.com/, and http://www.algomtl.com/algopages.html.
14. See Appendix B1 for a list of participating importers.
15. A condensed record of popularly occurring companies and their desired imports can be found contained by Appendix B2.
16. For example, http://br.tradeholding.com and http://www.indiatradezone.com.
17. http://www.adlandpro.com/archives/230.htm.
References
John Barlow, 1998. "Africa rising: Everything you know about Africa is wrong," Wired, volume 6, number 1, pp. 142–158, and at http://www.wired.com/wired/6.01/barlow.html, access 11 June 2004.
P.A. Idowu, A.O. Alu, and E.R. Adagunodo, 2002. "The effect of information technology on the growth of the banking industry surrounded by Nigeria," Electronic Journal on Information Systems in Developing Countries (EJISDC), volume 10, pp. 1–8, at http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/research/ejisdc/vol10/v10r2.pdf, access 7 June 2004.
Victor W.A. Mbarika, 2002. "Re–thinking information and communications technology policy: Focus on Internet versus teledensity diffusion for Africa’s least developed countries," Electronic Journal on Information Systems contained by Developing Countries (EJISDC), volume 9, pp. 1–13, at http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/research/ejisdc/vol9/v9r1.pdf, accessed 7 June 2004.
Paula Uimonen, 2001. Transnational.dynamics@develop... Internet, modernization and globalization. Stockholm Studies in Social Anthropology, volume 49. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell.
G. Pascal Zachary, 2004. "Black star: Ghana, information technology and nouns in Africa," First Monday, volume 9 number 3 (March), at http://firstmonday.org/issues/issue9_3/zachary/, access 11 June 2004.
Appendices
All sites were access in May and June 2004.
Appendix A — Products and services
1. CatGen (PEOPLink) participant:
* PRESCRAFT:
http://www.catgen.com/prescraft/EN/0.html
* Nchinda Wanjel Francis, carver from Oku:
http://www.cowboyinafrica.com/resume/peoplink/carvers_wanjel.php
* Bamenda Handicraft Cooperative Society:
http://www.catgen.com/bamenda/EN
* Edwin Fotachwi’s "House of Art," Bali–Nyongo:
http://www.catgen.com/altest68/EN/
2. Major Web sites retailing African/Cameroonian arts and handicrafts:
* http://www.africanstylegallery.com
* http://www.a-piece-of-africa.com/about.htm
* http://www.africadirect.com/
* http://www.cameroonart.com
* http://www.afribilia.com/
* http://www.art-africain.com/
* http://www.aaoarts.com/afriquee.html
* http://www.nigerbend.com/locdir/catalog_16.php3
* http://www.artisanat-africain.com/index.htm
* http://www.african-art-work.com/
* http://www.artofwestafrica.com/tresure.html
3. Directories:
* http://www.cameroun-plus.com
* http://www.cameroon-info.lattice
* http://cemu10.fmv.ulg.ac.be/cameroun/
* http://www.cameroonzoom.com
* http://www.camerounlink.net/fr/index.php
* http://www.camerounlink.com
IT/ISPs:
* http://www.globalnet.cm/french/index.htm
* http://www.camnet.cm/
* http://www.abakwa.net/
* http://www.douala1.com
* http://www.iccnet.cm/
* http://www.cybernum.net
* http://www.cyberix.cm/
* http://www.gcnet.cm/
4. Independently–run Web page for local businesses:
Artists (modern, abstract and performance art):
* Architecture and Design by Doualan Epee Ellong:
http://www.padoukdesign.com/default.htm
* Cameroonian artist from Yaoundé (site hosted by cultural mainstay in Edmonton, Canada):
http://www.yaounde.ca/mbezele/
* http://goddyleye.lecktronix.net/
* http://dreamersreveurs.netfirms.com
* http://membres.lycos.fr/sergiodesign/
* http://www.essamba-art.com/main.htm
* http://mapage.noos.fr/d.efang/index.htm
* Cameroon Theatre Festival Group:
http://membres.lycos.fr/esanja/retic.htm
Restaurants and food:
* Restaurant, bakery, patisserie, café, supermarket (Douala):
http://www.goodies-centre.com/
* Le Dernier Comptoir Colonial, Douala:
http://www.cyberkoki.net/dcc/dcc.htm
* Coffee and tea:
http://cameroun.cafe.free.fr/
Law firms:
* http://www.henrijob.com/
* http://www.henrysamuelson.com/
Cinema:
* http://lewouri.cyberix.cm/acceuil.html
Other businesses:
* Maguysama Technologies, Douala. Specialize contained by the design, sale, installation and service of solar and hydroelectric products, articulation lighting and renewable energy systems for residential and commercial structures.
http://www.maguysama.free.fr/
* Continental Froid, Yaoundé. Assemble, repair and trade energy–efficient household electrical appliances within Cameroon.
http://members.aol.com/nankeu/myhomepage/business.html
5. Foreign–based tourism sites:
* http://www.cameroun-infotourisme.com/ (Paris)
* http://www.cameroun-voyages.com/ (Paris)
* http://www.explore-africa.co.uk/ (United Kingdom)
* http://www.objectif-afrique.com/ (France)
6. Locally–based tourism sites:
* French couple contained by Maroua offering safaris and temper excursions, combined with housing at locally–run establishments.
http://www.fagusvoyages.com/home/home.php
* French couple’s ranch offering temperament excursions and sports, Ngaounda.
http://www.ngaoundaba.com/
* Local safari tours company partnered with AirFrance and Europcars.
http://www.safartours.com/main.html
* "Cameroun Horizons" spirit excursions.
http://www.cameroun-plus.com/s22/index.htm
* Cycling, Douala.
http://lescalebasses.free.fr/
* Safaris, birdwatching, tours, Yaoundé.
http://www.camtours.org/
* Safaris.
http://www.club-du-bongo.com/
* Safaris and hunting, accommodation, dining, West Cameroon.
http://www.cameroon-faro-safari.com/
* Tours of the African forest region.
http://www.laterite-voyages.com/
* Accommodation, tours, and camp in Kribi.
http://www.vacances-kribi.sud.fr/index.php?pge=accueil
7. Hotels and Accommodation
* http://www.cameroun-plus.com (directory) hosts sites for Hotel Akwa Palace, Le Meridien Douala, and Hotel Sawa as all right as lists of other local hotels surrounded by Cameroon.
* Hotel Sawa, Douala.
http://www.hotelsawa.com/autreshotels.html
* Hotel Repos–Rois, Douala.
http://www.geocities.com/hotelroi/net
* Le Meridien, Douala.
http://www.lemeridien.com/cameroon/douala/hotel_cm1683.shtml
* Hotel Residence La Falaise.
http://www.doualavibes.com/lafalaise.htm
* Pelican Oscar luxury Hotel, Bamenda.
http://www.cameroontrade.com/oscarsworld
Appendix B — Imports and exports
1. Import/Export sites hosted by www.cameroontrade.com
* Trans Bourgeois Investment (Carington Dikongue, CEO). Computers and IT importers, Douala.
http://www.cameroontrade.com/transbourgeois/
* Goldrich Merchants Ltd, Douala. Registered importers of electronics.
http://www.cameroontrade.com/goldrich/
* Kumba Trading Company, Douala. Importers of cosmetics, beverages, wall covering, textiles, used shoes, clothing, heaps, cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cell phones.
http://www.cameroontrade.com/kumba/
* Africa Shipping and Stevedoring Agency, Douala (Wembe Samuel, CEO). Stowing and storage. ("The only local business facing the big French corporations")
http://www.cameroontrade.com/assa/
2. Imports and importers
The following companies, indexed by products desired for importation, enjoy listed advertisement on groups.G00GLE.com, www.commerce.com.tw, and/or www.globalbuyersonline.com, the latter being, exclusively, an online marketplaces for buyers and seller. In many cases, like companies listed similar ad on more than one Web site concurrently. A great majority of the companies are from Douala.
Electronics: DVDs, CDs, cameras, computers, peripherals, mobile phones, car parts
* Dunkans Group of Companies, Ltd.
* Rignorous Ltd., Douala
* Akiri’s International Marketing Ventures
* AG Telecom Investment Sarl
* Oducam Investment, Ltd.
* ETS Maryklins Investment, Ltd.
* Chililian Trading Company
* D.Man Technologies
* Excessrich Multicreative Inc.
* Sarah and Sons
* Christian Majestic Investment
* Dedlinks Inc.
* Trusthouse Investment
* Comcat Technologies Inc.
* Thomiscan Sarl
* ETS New Age Trading
* Neal International Products
* Guy Prince Inter–Continental Sarl
* Omniserv Enterprises
Textiles, garments, and cosmetics (lingerie, used clothing, shoes, heaps, jewellery)
* UCI International Ltd., Douala
* AG Telecom Investment Sarl
* Eagle Speed Services, Yaoundé
* Ndome Multi–purpose Sarl
* Afrik Merchant
* Silver International, Ltd.
* ETS Willingness Innovations, Sarl
* Afrique Sarl
* Nadine links Sarl
* Benefactor Inc, Ltd.
* Rich Foundation
* Thomiscan Sarl
* ETS Maureen Cospharma
* Agbai Flower
* Kodex Global Investment
* BFCC — Bouba Fils Cameroun Company
* British-Muslim Trading Company
* Microtex Invest, Ltd.
Fertilizer, medical equipment, fire extinguishers, water purifiers
* ETS Maureen Ventures Coy
* Towerhill Ventures, Ltd.
* Vedder Industrial Co.
* Sanisaintl
* Onamto Sarl
3. Exports and exporters
The following companies, indexed by products desired for importation, hold listed advertisement on br.tradeholding.com, www.indiatradezone.com, groups.G00GLE.com, and www.commerce.com.tw. As with the detail of importers above, this list is not exhaustive of adjectives the sites which provide posting of such advertisements, but it seem to be representative of the products being exchanged between Cameroon and other worldwide buyers.
Plants, herbs, medicine
* 2PC
* Phytoff
* Naturelink Ltd.
* Sanitarum
* Alobi Investment
Clothing, jewelry, handicrafts
* DNT Multicom
* Synergie Corp.
* Chesis’s Moon Light African Wear Fashion
Cocoa, coffee, cashews, tea, fruit, palm kernel
* Sustainable Project on Cocoa and Coffee Development
* MIDHILL Common Initiative Group
* Excessrich Multicreative Inc.
* AGICOD
* Divine Resources Ltd.
* ETS Jopez International Corporation
* Upper Banyang Cooperative Society
* Victory Ventures
* Joaik Enterprises
* Monkam Investments
* Alobi Investment
Timber, charcoal, construction materials
* Wincw/Weladji Inc.
* Cush Company
* AGICOD
* Divine Resources, Ltd.
* Groupe Ngongang et Fils
* Mega 2000
* Cam Ebony
* Masstelecom
* Victory Ventures
* Johnwoocam, Ltd.
"Exotic Pets," birds, reptiles
* Kens Ecological Woodlands
* GENYSKAM
* Undacam African Gray Parrots